An applicator for applying liquid, such as insecticide or medicine, to the coat of an animal. The applicator comprises a reservoir for containing the liquid, an anchor for mounting the reservoir above an animal pathway, and a plurality of flexible wicks depending from the reservoir. The wicks have proximal ends communicating with the interior of the reservoir so that liquid in the reservoir communicates with and moistens the wicks, and distal ends adapted for extending into the animal pathway. An animal passing through the pathway contacts the moistened wicks and the wicks apply the liquid to the animal. A method of applying liquid to an animal with the applicator is also disclosed.